Is an iDrive throttle controller any use on a Kakadu?

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

From what I gather, throttle controllers like the iDrive are fairly popular with the diesel-powered 4WD crowd. I've been told that they're not needed on the Kakadu because it has drive modes like Sport and Sport+. These modes certainly seem to sharpen up the throttle response, but they don't give a lot of control over how much. It's not clear that they provide maximum throttle response, e.g. for towing a van up an hill. It's hard to know what else these modes do, as the documentation and reviews are not very clear, but it seems that they also affect the Kakadu's adaptive suspension, which isn't always what you want. So an iDrive could have its attractions. Has anyone tried one on a Kakadu?

[andylo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close andylo]

Yeah have one in my Kaka, for over an year now.

Very useful when touring, or going Ngkala Rocks, Big Red or any big sand dunes.

Don't think the Sport mode will give you the same response.

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

Thanks Andylo, that's very helpful.

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

andylo

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andylo - I've now fitted one. Not difficult, but a bit fiddly. It certainly gives more boost and more control than the built-in modes.

I have a question - what mode do you drive in with the iDrive turned to auto? I'm finding that if I use the middle, normal mode, at very low throttle position the response can be a bit jerky. It can take a very careful feather of the throttle to accelerate smoothly. Comfort or Eco modes seem to smooth things out a bit.

[dershba Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dershba]

I don’t use auto mode on mine, for general driving around town and on the highway I use U4.
That seems to be the sweet spot for me

[andylo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close andylo]

I will give E4 a go this week and see if it help me save fuel.

I use auto mode only when I am touring long distance and trying to over take slower vehicles on single lane (per direction) highway.

I just came back from Fraser and while this time our trip is super relax, there were a few spots we all need to drive a little more, "spirited" Which I use U6.